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There are three categories of prescription drugs which have the potential for abuse and addiction. These are opioids, sedatives, and stimulants. Many people don’t know that you can develop Adderall addiction because doctors prescribe this drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conditions such as narcolepsy. Adderall is yet, another drug which has become popular with drug users for illicit purposes.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a drug which is made up of a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is a central nervous system stimulant and is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. Schedule II means that this drug has a high potential for abuse, but it does serve a medical purpose. It is available in two forms, immediate release and extended release. Adderall is addictive and can be dangerous if abused.

When used as prescribed, Adderall counteracts the symptoms of ADHD by increasing alertness, attention, and energy levels. It also increases the heart rate and blood flow to the muscles. Even when taken as prescribed, this drug can cause irritability, feelings of restlessness, and trouble sleeping. Some people experience weight loss when taking Adderall.

Effects of Adderall Abuse

When a person abuses Adderall by taking more than prescribed or in an unapproved method such as crushing the pill and snorting it, they experience the same feelings as if using cocaine. They may experience euphoria, high energy levels, talkativeness, and intense invigoration. Because of this, it has become extremely popular as a recreational drug and is sold illegally by drug users and dealers. Some of the effects of Adderall when taken as prescribed or when abused are:

Dry mouth

Hoarseness

Headache

Irritability

Digestive issues

Anxiety

Difficulty sleeping

Shortness of breath

Rapid heart rate

Long-term abuse with high doses of Adderall can produce more severe symptoms such as:

Dizziness

Slowed or difficult speech

Blurred vision

Weakness in arms and legs

Chest pain

Seizures

Paranoia

Aggressive behavior

A person who abuses Adderall over an extended period faces the potential for tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Taking large amounts of Adderall or misusing it in any way makes someone more prone to overdosing on the drug. Significant quantities of this drug cause high blood pressure and rapid heart rate. It also increases body temperature, sometimes to dangerous levels. All of these issues can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Adderall Addiction and Where it Can Lead

Abuse of Adderall over an extended period leads to Adderall addiction which is both physical and psychological. Once addicted to this substance, individuals will go to any lengths to attain the drug for their use. The psychological part of the addiction causes a person to have withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from using the drug such as extreme tiredness, either sleeping very much or not being to sleep at all, and depression. These symptoms occur because the body has become accustomed to having high levels of dopamine manufactured by the brain and withholding the drug causes the dopamine to drop dramatically causing these symptoms.

The psychological addiction occurs because of the individual taking Adderall as a routine and because of this, they develop a compulsion to take it regularly. They think that they must have it whenever they feel the need to take it. If this person cannot get the drug, they develop physical symptoms of stress such as headaches, sweating, and irritability. They also have intense cravings for the substance, low energy levels, and a lack of motivation to do anything.

Help for Adderall Addiction

If you are struggling with Adderall addiction, seek help through counseling and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy will help you to change your behavioral patterns and break the habit of abusing Adderall. The withdrawal symptoms associated with Adderall are not life-threatening; however, they can be very uncomfortable. Once you have completed the detoxification process, you are well on your way to recovery. Get the help you need to stop Adderall addiction and return to your life as it should be without abusing this drug.

We don't always understand a loved one's addiction and the reasons for it. However, we do want to see that they receive the help that they need to recover and lead a full and complete life free from this disease.We have the resources to design a treatment program which can produce a full recovery by teaching the skills needed to remain sober going forward. The information provided by Stop Your Addiction through phone, email or web support should not be used for diagnosing or treating any physical or mental health condition or disease. If you have or suspect an alcohol or drug problem, you should consult your health care provider right away.